JOB DETAILS

The legal assistant will also coordinate the completion and submission of family reunification applications managed on behalf of the Processing Department at IRC Headquarters. The legal assistant will identify current clients eligible to file such applications and conduct community outreach to advertise the programs. The legal assistant will work with clients to prepare and submit applications to Headquarters. The legal assistant provides case status updates and transmits information to clients regarding their pending applications with the Headquarters and the U.S. Department of State. It is encouraged that staff hired in this role will work towards DOJ accreditation with support from IRC’s Immigration Technical Unit based at IRC Headquarters.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Under the supervision of a licensed or accredited legal practitioner, provide clients information on immigration benefits before USCIS, work with clients to gather documents, and assist clients to complete applications.

• Respond to inquiries from clients regarding case status and submit inquiries on case status to USCIS and Department of State (DOS).

• Process correspondence from USCIS and DOS, including notifying clients, assisting clients to prepare responses to notices or evidence requests as appropriate, and following up with relevant parties.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files and detailed case notes, enter required data in a timely manner, meet all case reporting requirements within established timelines and standards, and assist in the completion of statistical, narrative, and financial reports.

• Represent the IRC with clients, community members, and partners by receiving and returning phone calls and emails, scheduling appointments, supporting events (including group processing events), and conducting outreach for legal services.

• Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all other ethical practices/obligations as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual.

• Participate in training webinars hosted by IRC headquarters on family reunification programs of focus, including Lautenberg applications and/or P3 AORs and/or P2 CAM AORs.

• Communicate program eligibility and requirements to clients; collect documentation from clients to complete applications on their behalf.

• Complete applications in the IRIS database; monitor database for updates and corrections needed; communicate with IRC headquarters staff on any questions or corrections needed.

• Track applications to respond to client inquiries after submission.

• Pursue Department of Justice accreditation by successfully completing all vital training.

• Manage intern and volunteer support as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.

Work Experience:

• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment and with Limited English Proficient populations.

• Previous experience with immigration legal or social services is strongly preferred.

• Community-based outreach and/or work promoting immigrant rights experience is preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Familiarity with immigration software and experience with data entry and management are a plus.

• Demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights based on work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities.

• Able to work effectively in a team environment, as well as take independent initiative

• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable utilizing online software and programs.

• Excellent communication skills with proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

• Proficiency or fluency in Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired (such as, but not limited to: Spanish, Amharic, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, French, Haitian-Creole).